Maybe I need to gain some weight but my rump is tender after sitting on the Bravo deck for a few hours. Short of eating more donuts, does anyone have a solution to this? On my H17, I sit on the wings or tramp both of which are nice and cushy?

I can't solve your posterior problem, but I do have a sweet solution to the the scraped knees of those of us who cross the Bravo on them. I walked into a familiar discount store and spent five or six bucks on a blue pad used under camping bedrolls (sleeping bags). I used a pair of scissors and a plate to trim the length and corners of the pad to fit the Bravo's cockpit. The width is perfect; it fits neatly under the hiking straps. And get this: it's waterproof and floats! Salt water rolls off. If I get a little sand on it, I pick it up and drag it over the side and put it back in place. It dries oderlessly in the back of the truck. It's even the right color!

My hiking shorts are made by Gill. Camet also makes them. They can be bought with pad that is inserted to cushion against hard decks and awkward seating. Try a company that supplies goods for sailboats.

About the blue mat you put down to protect the knees...What holds it down? When you put your feet under the hiking straps doesn't thatmake the "mat" come out? If so, have you considered velcro or tying it to the straps?

I haven't sailed my Bravo yet. Been busy planning a conversion of a trailer. Yet I had read this message (I fit the group) and derived a solution.

What about a "Throw cushion"? One could be tied to the hiking straps on either side providing cushion for our...older buttocks. They already have strap handles. Just tie with a small line and the hiking strap is still usable. The other side for your feet on a slow day

I haven't sailed my Bravo yet. Been busy planning a conversion of a trailer. Yet I had read this message (I fit the group) and derived a solution.

What about a "Throw cushion"? One could be tied to the hiking straps on either side providing cushion for our...older buttocks. They already have strap handles. Just tie with a small line and the hiking strap is still usable. The other side for your feet on a slow day

Julian

I have two stadium seat cushions tied together so the wife does not get wet butt.... I tie them to the loop in the righting line.

I can't solve your posterior problem, but I do have a sweet solution to the the scraped knees of those of us who cross the Bravo on them. I walked into a familiar discount store and spent five or six bucks on a blue pad used under camping bedrolls (sleeping bags). I used a pair of scissors and a plate to trim the length and corners of the pad to fit the Bravo's cockpit. The width is perfect; it fits neatly under the hiking straps. And get this: it's waterproof and floats! Salt water rolls off. If I get a little sand on it, I pick it up and drag it over the side and put it back in place. It dries oderlessly in the back of the truck. It's even the right color!

I just wanted to thank you for this tip - I ordered an "exercise mat" (2' x 6') that's closed-cell foam because my poor old knees can't take the beating any more. I'll just cut it to size; I might try to trim it so it fits width-wise; would also make a padded seat, too?

Go to West Marine or some other boat/marine store and buy two simple square, strapped boat cushions. Then snap the straps (with quick release clips, caribiners) to the hiking pad straps. They'll sit nicely on the hull as you switch back and forth. Also, I'm using a blue sleepbag pad as a "trampoline." I trimmed the ends, but the width is perfect for tucking beneath the hiking pads on either side.

It's cool enough where I sail (eastern Ontario) that I wear a light wetsuit much of the time and that helps a bit. I know someone who got some thick neoprene shorts for in-line skating (after he lost some hide in a wipeout). There are stick-on foam pads sold for kayak and canoe seat pads, kneeling pads etc...I may look into a couple of those.

"If it doesn't have a buffet and a casino it aint seaworthy."--John Pinette